Sign Up for Our Living with Psoriasis Newsletter

Thanks for signing up!

The severity and location of your psoriasis may influence when you tell someone about your condition.

Getty Images

Dating someone new can be both exhilarating and awkward. But when you have psoriasis, figuring out when and how to tell someone about your condition can be difficult. Experts advise that you do it sooner rather than later, because talking openly and honestly about your psoriasis will help your new love interest understand the ins and outs of your skin much better.

Sharing Your Diagnosis

Laura Korb Ferris, MD, PhD, an associate professor of dermatology at Pennsylvania's University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, says the severity and location of your psoriasis will probably influence when you tell someone new about your condition.

A face, neck, or hand flare-up may prompt a talk about your skin early in the relationship. Psoriasis that's in remission or is hidden by everyday clothing lets you choose a time when you feel comfortable enough to discuss it. "Just don't wait for an intimate moment," counsels Dr. Ferris. The atmosphere is always more relaxed when you discuss your psoriasis before becoming intimate with a partner.

Many people find it easy to begin a discussion by explaining how psoriasis affects their ability or comfort level in certain activities or when wearing certain clothing. "Segue into your triggers, treatment plan, and common symptoms," Ferris suggests.

Reactions to Your Condition

Insensitive questions or comments about your skin can be hurtful, especially when they come from a romantic interest. Instead of reacting out of anger or hurt feelings, Ferris suggests that you try to get to the bottom of the person's reaction. Does their seeming insensitivity stem from a lack of knowledge about psoriasis? If so, a brief explanation of your specific condition and its symptoms usually results in a supportive and compassionate response.

If you're in remission, it's especially valuable to talk about psoriasis flares — what they are, what causes them, and what you do to manage your symptoms when they occur. Encourage your partner to ask questions. "This is a chronic condition that, like a romantic interest, is part of your life," Ferris reminds us. "It is important to be with someone who is understanding and supportive and wants to learn more to help you."

"Flare symptoms may dampen your normal sexual desires," says Ferris. To prevent your partner from feeling hurt or rejected, explain how your skin feels during a flare, preferably before having one. Talk about how your skin is temporarily getting in the way of your desire for him or her.

Knowing that your partner sees past your skin and finds you attractive, flare or not, is a good reminder that psoriasis doesn't have to get in the way of intimacy.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Advertising Notice

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make choices about online behavioral advertising, please click here.